Peer-Reviewed Research

Barolin G.S., Samborski R. (1991) The horse as an aid in therapy.
Wien Med Wochenschr. 141(20): 476-81. German.

Benda, W., McGibbon, N.H., Grant, K.L. (2003). Improvements in muscle symmetry in children with cerebal palsy after equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,9(6), :817-825.

Casady, R.L., Nichols-Larsen, D.S. (2004). The effect of hippotherapy on ten children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 16(3): 165-172.

DeBuse D, Gibb C, Chandler C. Effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy from a users’ perspective: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2009;25(30):174-192

Debuse, D., Chandler, C., Gibb, C. (2005). An exploration of German and British physiotherapists views on the effects of hippotherapy and their measurement. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 21(4): 219-242.

Dirienzo LN, Dirienzo LT, Baceski DA. (2007). Heart Rate Response to Therapeutic Riding in Children with CP: An exploration study. Pediatric Phys Therapy, 19:160-165.

Exner G., Engelmann A., Lange K., Wenck B. (1994). Basic principles and effects of hippotherapy within the comprehensive treatment of paraplegic patients
Rehabilitation (Stuttg). Feb;33(1): 39-43. German.

Gottwald A, Biewald N. (1981) New aspects in the treatment of Scheuermann's disease with hippotherapy. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb. Aug;119(4): 351-5. German.

Haehl, V., Giuliani, C., Lewis, C. (1999). The influence of hippotherapy on the kinematics and functional performance of two children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 11, 89-101.

Hammer, A., Nilsagard, Y., Forsberg, A., Pepa, H., Skargren, E., Oberg, B. (2005). Evaluation of therapeutic riding (Sweden) / hippotherapy ( USA ). A single-subject experimental design study replicated in eleven patients with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 21(1): 51-77.

Hamill D, Washington K, White OR. (2207) The Effect of Hippotherapy on Postural Control in Sitting for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. 27(4): 23-42.

McGee MC, Reese NM. Immediate effects of a hippotherapy session on gait parameters in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2009;21:212-218

McGibbon NH, Benda W, Duncan BR, Silkwood-Sherer D. Immediate and long-term effects of hippotherapy on symmetry of adductor muscle activity and functional ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90:966-974.

McGibbon, N.H., Andrade, C.K., Widener, G., Cintas, H.L. (1998). Effect of an equine movement therapy program on gait, energy expenditure, and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a pilot study. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 40(1), 754-762.

Rothhaupt D., Ziegler H., Laser T. (1997). Orthopedic hippotherapy--new methods in treatment of segmental instabilities of the lumbar spine. Wien Med Wochenschr. 147(22): 504-8. German.

Silkwood-Sherer D & Warmbier H. (2007) Effects of Hippotherapy on Postural Stability In persons with Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. 31(2):77-84.

Shurtleff, T. L., & Engsberg, J. R. (2010). Changes in Trunk and Head Stability after Hippotherapy, a Pilot Study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 30(2), 150-163.

Shurtleff TL, Standeven JW, Engsberg JR. Changes in dynamic trunk/head stability and functional reach after hippotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90:1185-1195.

Snider L, Korner-Bitenshy N, Kammann C, Warner S, Saleh M. (2007) Horseback Riding as Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy: Is There Evidence of Its Effectiveness? Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. 27(2): 5-23.

Case Studies / Reports

Baker E. A comparison of change in flexible kyphosis pre- and post-hippotherapy-a research approach. In: Engel B. Therapeutic Riding II Strategies for Rehabilitation. Durango CO: Barbara Engel Therapy Services;1997:283-286.

Dismuke-Blakely, R. (1984). Rehabilitative horseback riding for children with language disorders. The Pet Connection. 131-140.

Fox J, Peterson B. Enduring effect of hippotherapy on passive hip abduction in children with spastic cerebral palsy. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:277-296.

Gaskill A, Look J, Mueller C, Silkwood-Sherer D. The Effects of Hippotherapy on Vertical Load Force Distribution in Sitting as a Factor of Postural Control for Children with Cerebral Palsy [plan B paper]. Mount Pleasant, MI.: Central Michigan University; 2002.

Gewartz R. The use of sensory integration in EAT: an OT perspective. Occup Ther Now (Ottawa) Jan/Feb 2003:5(1):8-10.

Haehl, V. 2002. Modeling a motor skill in children with and without cerebral palsy: a mathematical model to look at the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between the patient and horse. Doctoral dissertation, University of Michigan http://www.lib.umich.edu/ill/diss.html

Hansen K. A group case study: hippotherapy as a means of improving gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:233-240.

Knueven L, Collins, Jamieson J, Hakim RM, Sensbach K. Case report: Effects of hippotherapy on balance and functional performance in a child with a neurological disorder. Poster presentation at APTA Combined Sections Meeting; February 26, 2005; New Orleans, LA.

Macauley B, Gurierrez K. The effectiveness of hippotherapy for children with language-learning disabilities. Communications Disorders Quarterly 2004; 25(4):205-217.

Martin K, Stormont-Smith J. T.H.E. C.H.A.P.S. hippotherapy pilot project: a case study. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services; *1997:227-232.

O'Neil, M.E., Fragala-Pinkham, M.A., Westcott, S.L., Martin, K., Chiarello, L.A., Valvano, J., Rose, R.U. (2006). Physical Therapy Clinical Physical Therapy Clinical Management Recommendations for Children with Cerebral Palsy - Spastic Diplegia: Achieving Functional Mobility Outcomes. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 18(1):49-72

Osborne, M.B.A. (1998). Hippotherapy as an intervention modality for a patient with cerebellar dysfunction. Physical Therapy Case Reports, 1(1): 58-60.

Rollandelli, PS and Dunst CJ (2003) Influences of Hippotherapy on the Motor and Social-Emotional Behavior of Young Children with Disabilities. Bridges. Practice-Based Research Syntheses. Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development. Puckett Institute. Vol 2, (1); pp1-14.

Silkwood-Sherer D, Szeidel S, Braun J. The Effects of Hippotherapy Sessions on Functional Balance of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis [plan B paper]. Mount Pleasant, MI: Central Michigan University; 2001.

Wheeler, A. A case study of a boy diagnosed with spina bifida. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:221-226.

Wasserman R, Keeney A. Hippotherapy for a child with cerebral palsy. In: Engel, B. Rehabilitation with the Aid of a Horse: A Collection of Studies. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services;1997:241-248.

Articles

Byam, E., & Simmons, D. (2005). Environment and occupation in hippotherapy. OT Practice,10(7),:13-8.

Cantu, C.O. (2005). Hippotherapy: facilitating occupational performance. Exceptional Parent, 35(3),:51-3.

Cohen, B. (1992). Therapy is the key word in equine treatment. Adv for Phys Ther 8(8):48.

DeGutis, D.L. (2003). Hippotherapy aids children with sensory and motor issues. Exceptional Parent, 33(11):55-7.

Ellis, J. (1995). Texas physical therapist volunteers at Circle-T Therapeutic Riding Center: Hippotherapy provides children with physical, psychological benefits. PT Bulletin,12:6-7.

Gui-Lin Chen, et.al. Biofeedback control of horseback riding simulator. Proceedings of the first international conference on machine learning and cybernetics, Bejing Nov 4-5, 2002. pages 1905-1908. ( China )

Heine, B. (1997). Hippotherapy: A multi-system approach to the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Aust J Physiother, 43(2):145-149.

Heine, B. (1997). Introduction to Hippotherapy. Strides, 3(2):10-13.

Heine, B & Benjamin, J. (2000). Introduction to Hippotherapy. Advance for Phys Therapists, 11(13):11-13.

Ionatamishvili NI, et.al. Riding Therapy as a Method of Rehabilitation of Children with CP. 2004. Human Physiology. Vol 30. No. 5. pg 561-565. ( Georgia, Russia )

Kitagawa T, et.al. Cause of active motor function by passive movement. Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2001, 13:167-172. ( Japan )

Kuczinsky M & Slonka K. Influence of artificial saddle riding on postural stability in children with CP. Gait and Posture 1999, 10:154-160. ( Poland )

Liptak, G.S. (2005). Complementary and alternative therapies for cerebral palsy. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev, 11(2):156-63.

McNulty, B.R. (2003). Hippotherapy: exceptional treatment with multiple benefits. Exceptional Parent, 33(11): 58-9.

Meregillano, G. (2004). Hippotherapy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am, 15(4): 843-54,vii.

Murphy, J. (1994). Hippotherapy continues progress in research and accreditation. Advance for Phys Therapists, 5(41): 8-9.

Pauw J. Therapeutic horseback riding studies: Problems experienced by researchers. Physiotherapy, Oct 2000 86(10):523-527. ( South Africa )

Quint C. & Toomey M. Powered saddle and pelvic mobility: an investigation into the effects on pelvic mobility of children with CP of a powered saddle which imitates the movements of a walking horse. Physiotherapy 1998, vol 84. no 8. p.376-384 ( G.Britain )

Ries, E. ( 2001 ). Passions for the Profession. PT Mag of Physical Therapy. June:35-42.

Ruddock, L. (1992). Hippotherapy. Advance for Phys Ther, 5(3):12-13.

Books

Engel BT and MacKinnon JR, (editors). Enhancing Human Occupation Through Hippotherapy: A Guide for Occupational Therapy. Durango, CO: Engel Therapy Services. 2007 ISBN: 1569002320.

Reide, D. (1988). Physiotherapy on the Horse. (A. Dusenbury, PT, Trans.) J M. Tebay, MS (Ed.) Out of print. Contact: Delta Society Library, Renton, WA.

Spink J.  Developmental Riding Therapy: A Team Approach to Assessment and Treatment. San Antonio, TX. 1993. Therapy Skill Builders, Division of The Psychological Corporation. ISBN: 0761647406. (Out of Print, but copies can occasionally be found on Amazon.)

Strauss, I. (1995). Hippotherapy: Neurophysiological therapy on the horse. Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (ONTRA).

Contact Helen Brcko phone: 905-731-7037 or brcko@sympaticao.ca

 

Videos/DVDs

Activate Your Horse's Core. DVD available for purchase at Sport Horse Publications.

Analysis of Horse and Human Movement. Hodges, Pippa. 1993. Available from CanTra, Box 1055, Guelph, Ontario, N1H6J6, Canada. Telephone 519-767-0700.

Videos available from The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy
NCEFT; 880 Runnymede Road, Woodside, CA 94062

1. Program Safety and Emergency Procedures
2. Treatment Options for Patients with Severe Functional Limitations
3. The Discovery Video Hippotherapy

Other

AHA, Inc. welcomes the addition of quality papers to this list.
Please send new references to:
AHA Research Chair - Deborah Silkwood-Sherer, PT, Ph.D, Silkw1d@cmich.edu

 

Disclaimer

AHA provides a bibliography and resource guide only as a reference tool. The listed resources are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. The listed resources do not replace the practical experience required through time and hands-on learning with the strategy of hippotherapy.